
Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI)
Advocating for a Sustainable Future for Public Interest Journalism
Public interest journalism is a cornerstone of democracy—delivering accurate, independent reporting that underpins informed discourse, accountability, open justice, and diverse voices. It unites and educates communities, helping individuals make sense of critical national and civic issues.
In 2018, the Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI) was established as a Not for Profit to ensure that public interest journalism in Australia remains sustainable and diverse. Founded by a coalition of advocates, including Karen Mahlab AM, PIJI has since become a trusted voice in media policy, conducting rigorous research, shaping submissions, and presenting to key government inquiries.
PIJI established a vital independent voice and delivered an evidence base showing the precipitous decline of public interest journalism across Australia consistent with the Global Trends in Journalism. It convened competitive parties to discuss mutual issues and presented significant Policy options for the Federal Government to consider.
Many of these suggestions have been considered and implemented.
Leadership, Founding Vision, & the Board
Karen Mahlab AM was instrumental in PIJI’s founding—jointly initiating the vision, assembling the founding board, hiring Eric Sidotti as CEO and then placing Anna Draffin in the CEO role. Karen remains closely connected to the project’s mission and legacy.
Karen served on the PIJI Board 2017 - 2021 in a voluntary capacity resigning to avoid conflicts of interest as she established and founded the local media startup PS Media.
The founding board shaped PIJI’s non-partisan, research-driven direction, with notable founding members including:
Allan Fels AO (Chair)
Glyn Davis AC
Eric Beecher
Leslie Falkiner Rose
John Speirings
Margaret Simons
As of now, PIJI continues under robust governance, guided by a board of leaders with deep expertise in media, economics, law, and public policy.
PIJI’s Role, Achievements & Advocacy
PIJI champions sustainability for public interest journalism through:
Rigorous, public policy–focused research, including the Australian News Mapping Project, Local News Producers map, and the Australian News Index. Public Interest Journalism Initiative+2Public Interest Journalism Initiative+2
Policy influence, with submissions to inquiries and legislative bodies, such as the News Media Bargaining Code and media reform consultations. Public Interest Journalism Initiative+1
Bridging stakeholders, engaging media, philanthropy, academia, and government in collaborative reform.
In 2025, PIJI released its final Australian News Data Report, marking a shift from academic tracking to intensified advocacy, thought leadership, and government engagement moving forward. Public Interest Journalism Initiative
Guiding Principles
PIJI’s work is shaped by foundational values:
Public interest: serving the broader good.
Plurality and neutrality: safeguarding diversity in news, free from political or commercial bias.
Independence and evidence-based practice: grounded in rigorous data and practical foresight. Public Interest Journalism Initiative+1s.